Best Pedals for Sim Racing (2025 Buyer’s Guide)

Load cell, potentiometer, or hydraulic—here’s everything you need to know about sim racing pedals and which ones are worth your money.

Why Pedals Matter More Than You Think

Ask any experienced sim racer, and they’ll tell you: your pedals are more important than your wheel. Why? Because throttle and brake control directly affect your lap times.

Precise braking wins races. Smooth throttle application prevents wheel spin. Inconsistent pedals? That’s the fastest way to ruin your pace and confidence.

Whether you’re buying your first set or looking to upgrade from stock, this guide breaks down the best sim racing pedals available in 2025—and helps you understand exactly what you’re paying for.

Sim Racing Pedal Types: A Quick Breakdown

1. Potentiometer Pedals (Entry-Level)

• How They Work: Measure pedal position (how far you press)

• Pros: Cheap, easy to manufacture

• Cons: Poor realism, harder to modulate under pressure

• Feel: “Squishy” and inconsistent under heavy braking

Common in: Logitech G29/G923, Thrustmaster T150/TMX bundles

2. Hall Effect Pedals (Mid-Tier)

• How They Work: Use magnets to measure position without contact

• Pros: More durable and smoother than potentiometers

• Cons: Still based on pedal travel, not pressure

• Feel: Smoother travel, slightly more predictable

Common in: Thrustmaster T3PA / T3PM, Moza SR-P Lite

3. Load Cell Pedals (High-Performance Standard)

• How They Work: Measure pressure (force) instead of movement

• Pros: Realistic braking feel, better consistency under hard braking

• Cons: More expensive

• Feel: Like braking in a real car—especially under threshold braking

Common in: Fanatec CSL Pedals (w/ load cell), Thrustmaster T-LCM

4. Hydraulic Pedals (Premium Tier)

• How They Work: Simulate real brake hydraulics with fluid systems

• Pros: Maximum realism and adjustability

• Cons: Expensive, heavy, require fine-tuning

• Feel: Closest you’ll get to a real race car brake

Common in: SimGrade, Heusinkveld Ultimate+, BJ Steel GT

Top 5 Sim Racing Pedals for 2025

1. Fanatec CSL Pedals + Load Cell Kit (Best Value Overall)

Type: Load Cell
Price: ~$199 (base) + $139 (load cell)
Platform: PC / Xbox / PlayStation (via compatible base)

Why It’s Great:
The CSL pedal set offers unbeatable value. It starts as a 2-pedal set, but you can upgrade to a load cell brake for true realism. Combined with Fanatec’s ecosystem and software support, it’s a killer option for beginner-to-intermediate drivers.

Pros:

• Strong community and upgrade path

• Load cell mod transforms braking

• Adjustable spacing and pedal angle

Cons:

• Load cell sold separately

• Plastic build (but solid feel)

Best For: Beginners ready to take braking seriously.

2. Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals (Most Adjustable at Mid-Tier Price)

Type: Load Cell
Price: ~$229
Platform: PC / PlayStation / Xbox

Why It’s Great:
The T-LCM is an underrated gem. It includes a load cell brake out of the box, plus swappable springs for tension adjustment. It’s built from metal and fits easily into most setups—making it perfect for racers who want tuning flexibility without a $500 price tag.

Pros:

• Load cell for under $250

• Multiple resistance springs included

• Solid construction

Cons:

• Requires decent mounting for full performance

• Brake feel is progressive, not abrupt

Best For: Console or PC racers who want full adjustability.

3. Moza SR-P Pedals (Best Load Cell for PC-Only Racers

Type: Load Cell
Price: ~$219
Platform: PC Only

Why It’s Great:
If you’re on PC and want sleek design with pro performance, the SR-P set from Moza is hard to beat. The pedal arms are fully metal, and the load cell has one of the best brake feels in the sub-$300 tier. It’s also one of the most visually polished sets available.

Pros:

• Pro look and feel

• Great software tuning via Moza Pit House

• Strong, smooth brake curve

Cons:

• PC only

• Software required for tuning

Best For: PC sim racers building a Moza-based or hybrid setup.

4. Logitech Pro Racing Pedals (High-End Feel with Mainstream Brand)

Type: Load Cell
Price: ~$349
Platform: PC / Xbox / PS (with Pro Wheel)

Why It’s Great:
These are Logitech’s first serious pedals designed for advanced sim racers. The load cell brake has three swappable elastomers, and the modular design is clean and highly mountable. They feel better than anything Logitech’s ever made—finally closing the gap with Fanatec.

Pros:

• Fantastic brake pressure curve

• Compatible with Pro Racing Wheel ecosystem

• High adjustability and build quality

Cons:

• Pricey

• Requires Logitech Pro Wheel for console use

Best For: Logitech fans upgrading to pro-level performance.

5. Heusinkveld Sprint (Best for Competitive eSports Drivers)

Type: Load Cell (High-Fidelity)
Price: ~$699
Platform: PC Only

Why It’s Great:
These are the gold standard for serious sim racers. If you want the same pedals used by top eSports teams and real-world racers, look no further. The Heusinkveld Sprints offer intense realism, infinite tuning, and next-level build quality.

Pros:

• Customizable software curve

• Real-world motorsport feel

• Built to last

Cons:

• Expensive

• Requires sturdy mounting (aluminum rigs only)

Best For: Elite-level sim racers or those training for real track days.

Pedal Buyer’s Comparison Chart

Final Thoughts: Which Sim Racing Pedals Should You Buy?

• Tight budget or just getting started? Fanatec CSL with Load Cell upgrade

• Want maximum adjustability? Thrustmaster T-LCM

• PC-only and want sleek performance? Moza SR-P

• Already in the Logitech ecosystem? Logitech Pro Pedals

• Pushing for pro-level performance? Heusinkveld Sprints